Throughout December, NPR Music looks back at another jam-packed year of First Listens, Tiny Desk Concerts, live shows and reviews to reflect on the transformative albums and moments that changed music in 2012. The end-of-year coverage launches with the reveal of NPR Music's "Best Music of 2012": the top 50 albums and 100 best songs of the year, as selected by our critics, and open of voting for the All Songs Considered annual listeners' poll. Audiences can find all of NPR Music's year-end features at www.npr.org/blogs/bestmusic2012

NPR Music offers a guide to some of the year's best listening in its 50 Favorite Albums of 2012. The list features selections in all genres, as chosen by NPR Music staff, and includes artists such as Fiona Apple, Death Grips, Frank Ocean, Killer Mike, P!nk, Brooklyn Rider and Cafe Tacvba, The entire 50 Favorite list, where you can listen to music from each album, is now available: www.npr.org/blogs/bestmusic2012/2012/11/30/166230912/npr-musics-50-favorite-albums-of-2012

Singles fans can go straight to 100 Favorite Songs and the Heavy Rotation continuous mix to see and hear the songs NPR Music and public radio DJs couldn't stop playing all year.

All Songs Considered also presents its year-in-review show and begins taking votes for its annual Best Albums of the Year Listener Picks. NPR Music audiences can weigh in on their choices from a list of 2012 releases at www.npr.org/blogs/bestmusic2012/2012/11/30/166231006/vote-for-the-best-music-of-2012 Hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton will announce the Top 25 in mid-December in a special countdown edition of the weekly show.

"The Best Music of 2012" continues all month with a downloadable sampler showcasing the year's best new artists; NPR Music tastemakers' personal picks in classical, jazz and Latin alternative; and thought pieces from top music writers and reporters about the biggest stories and controversies. NPR Music staffers will also join All Things Considered to discuss key music moments and their potential lasting impact.